16 APS Students Sign Contracts & Commit to REACHing their College Goals

Congratulations to the 16 REACH Scholars of Atlanta Public Schools! They are eighth and ninth graders in our district, members of the “class of 2018” and the “class of 2019.” This morning we held a special ceremony where each scholar signed their scholarship contracts. Yes, it’s THAT serious. The Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) Georgia program is a needs-based scholarship that started in 2012 by Governor Nathan Deal.  There are some real obligations and responsibilities that come with being named a REACH Scholar and when our scholars successfully complete the REACH program and graduate from high school, each will be awarded a college scholarship of up to $2,500 per year for a total scholarship of up to $10,000!  Scholarships can be used at any Georgia HOPE-eligible two- or four-year college.

That’s not all! On top of this scholarship award, many colleges have pledged to match the $10,000. Several are even double matching—for a grand scholarship total of $30,000!

Georgia State, Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern have all pledged a double match. If scholars go to those schools, they may receive a scholarship for up to $30,000!

I had to be honest with students about the competition taking place these days when it comes to college admission.  Did you know that India has more honor students than the U.S. has students?  Neither did the students.  The world is knocking on the doors of Georgia’s top colleges and I want to make sure our students are ready to take advantage of the opportunity offered to them today and ready to compete with students from around the globe.  I’m asking everyone, members of the community affirm our own willingness to supporting these REACH Scholars in their journey to adulthood – to commit to supporting these REACH Scholars with our time, talent and treasure as they progress through the REACH program and into college and careers. These commitments are serious, but necessary, for these Scholars to reach their potential.

Congratulations, REACH Scholars, parents and guardians!